Seven Job Creation Partnership Projects Approved for Grand Bank Area

Through a maximum investment of up to $120,204, the Provincial Government will support seven Job Creation Partnership projects employing 18 individuals in the Grand Bank area.

Totalling $144,272, these projects will result in the hiring of a special events co-ordinator to assist with Lord's Cove Come Home Year celebrations; improvements to the Grande Meadows golf course in Frenchman's Cove; the hiring of an individual to assist with Lawn Come Home Year preparations; the hiring of an individual to work with the Greater Lamaline Area Development Association; the hiring of a family resource centre facilitator assistant through Burin Peninsula Brighter Futures Inc.; the hiring of a young field worker through the St. Lawrence Youth Committee; and renovations to the community centre in Lawn.

"Through these seven Job Creation Partnership projects, important work will be accomplished in the Grand Bank area," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "In addition to providing work experience, the community as a whole will undoubtedly benefit from these initiatives. Project sponsors achieve their objective of having necessary work completed, participants acquire new employment skills, and the community benefits through improvements to local facilities and the co-ordination of projects and events."

Through Job Creation Partnerships, non-profit community-based organizations, municipal governments and businesses partner with the Provincial Government to address local priority needs. Examples of potential partnership initiatives include maintenance and repairs to community infrastructure, such as town halls and churches; the beautification of public areas; and the staffing of businesses or organizations. In addition to in-kind or in-cash contributions from sponsors, Job Creation Partnership program funding is provided through direct contributions to sponsors or through the extension of Employment Insurance benefits for project participants.

"I am very pleased to work with the local organizations in securing the necessary assistance to carry out their initiatives," said the Honourable Darin King, MHA for the District of Grand Bank. "This funding will provide necessary employment and create lasting benefits within Lawn, Frenchman's Cove, Grand Bank, St. Lawrence, Lord's Cove and Lamaline area."

On November 2, 2009, responsibility for Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) programs and services, including the Job Creation Partnership program, transferred from the federal government to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since that time, 118 priority projects have been approved across the province creating employment opportunities for more than 500 people. The total investment in these projects is approximately $7.5 million. This figure includes $2 million being invested directly by other Provincial Government departments, municipalities, project sponsors and non-profit groups.

For more information on the Labour Market Development Agreement, including Job Creation Partnerships, please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/lmda 

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BACKGROUNDER
Labour Market Development Agreement

Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) are bilateral agreements between the Federal Government and the Provincial/Territorial Governments that provide funding focused on helping EI-eligible persons increase their opportunities within the labour market.
LMDAs were established in 1996 and many jurisdictions at the time chose to sign an agreement with the Government of Canada that transferred LMDA responsibility to the province. Under such an agreement, provinces and territories assume responsibility for the design, delivery and management of the programs and services.

Newfoundland and Labrador, along with a number of other jurisdictions, chose the co-managed model where the Federal Government delivered the programs and services but shared responsibility for the design, management and evaluation of these programs with provinces and territories. Since 1996, LMDA programs and services have been delivered in this province through Service Canada offices.

On September 5, 2008, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed a devolved LMDA with the Government of Canada. Under the devolved LMDA, the Provincial Government assumes responsibility for the design and delivery of approximately $133 million annually in EI-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures, effective November 2, 2009.

For the next two years, all provinces and territories will receive additional LMDA funding under the Federal Government's stimulus package, which was released in the last federal budget. Newfoundland and Labrador's share of this additional funding is $14.7 million per year.

2010 05 21                                                  10:05 a.m.